Moving from San Antonio, TX to Ann Arbor, MI
Relocating 1448 mi from San Antonio to Ann Arbor is a 25h 45m drive through 6 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1448 mi · 25h 45m by car · TX → AR → MO → IL → IN → MI
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → AR → MO → IL → IN → MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 57, I 30, I 35 |
| Major cities en route | Austin, Round Rock, Killeen, Waco, Grand Prairie |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| San Antonio | Ann Arbor | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 94.716 | 100.88 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.169 | 98.184 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.711 | 100.0 |
| Services | 94.575 | 125.3 | 100.0 |
Ann Arbor runs about 6.5% more expensive overall than San Antonio — RPP 94.716 → 100.88.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $249,810 in San Antonio to $523,391 in Ann Arbor, a 6.5% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: San Antonio -2.7%, Ann Arbor +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | San Antonio | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 69°F | 48°F |
| January avg low | 40°F | 16°F |
| July avg high | 94°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | 59.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.0" | 37.9" |
Annual average temperature drops 20.8°F — 69.0°F in San Antonio vs 48.2°F in Ann Arbor, per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Ann Arbor sees 59.3 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: SAN ANTONIO INCARNATE WORD, TX US, ANN ARBOR SE, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | San Antonio | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,458,954 | 121,179 |
| Median household income | $62,917 | $81,089 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 27.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.7% | 30.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.66 | 2.43 |
Expect median household income to rise 6.5% — $62,917 → $81,089 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Ann Arbor MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 29,010 | $50,890 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 25,400 | $81,710 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 24,670 | $42,280 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 15,280 | $32,120 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 13,740 | $36,520 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Michigan
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Michigan's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Ann Arbor averages 59.3 in annually vs 0.1 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (20.8°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Michigan after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from San Antonio to Ann Arbor?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1448 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Ann Arbor more expensive than San Antonio?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Ann Arbor is 6.5% higher than San Antonio (100.88 vs 94.716, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Ann Arbor compare to San Antonio?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,690 in the Ann Arbor MSA vs $44,390 in the San Antonio MSA, on total employment of 215,300 and 1,091,510 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Ann Arbor, MI from San Antonio, TX?
The driving distance is 1448 mi and the route typically takes 25h 45m via I 57 and I 30. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in San Antonio vs Ann Arbor?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,089 in Ann Arbor vs $62,917 in San Antonio — a 28.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Ann Arbor compared to San Antonio?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $523,391 in Ann Arbor vs $249,810 in San Antonio — a 109.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between San Antonio and Ann Arbor?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 48.2°F in Ann Arbor vs 69.0°F in San Antonio (20.8°F colder). Annual snowfall: 59.3 in vs 0.1 in. Annual precipitation: 37.9 in vs 34.0 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from San Antonio.
City profiles: San Antonio, TX · Ann Arbor, MI.